About Off-Campus Rentals Hat

Freedom comes with responsibilities. You can avoid expensive mistakes by knowing your leases, deposits, and your rights as a tenant.

Lease Conditions

A lease is a formal contract with the landlord and may last six to twelve months.
The amount of rent and the date of payment (and the penalties and interest for late payment) must be examined).
Does Utilities are covered ? ( Gas, electricity, water, and the internet)
Subletting and visitors (most leases restrict guests).
Moving in and out (notice period, cleaning, and repairs).

One student bolted and ended up signing a lease that did not have heating and water. She ended up spending over $100 on bills in the winter.

Deposits

Most landlords ask for a security deposit. This is usually the same as the rent.
You get the deposit back in case you leave the apartment in a good state.
To avoid unjust deductions, always take videos of the apartment when you first get it and leave, as well.

A roommate of mine was charged $200 for a blind that was broken even before she moved in. Good thing she had pictures from during her move in to prove that she was not the one to cause the damage.

Your Rights And Landlord Rights

The right of the landlord
To receive rent in a timely manner.
To assume that renters will maintain a reasonable standard of cleanliness and will not cause damage.

The Right to a tenant (yourself)
To live in a place that is safe and clean with running water, electricity, and heating.
To receive a reasonable amount of notice, generally 24 to 48 hours, before the landlord comes in to the property.
To have the deposit returned within a reasonable time frame after the tenant has moved out, usually between 14 to 30 days, depending on the state.

Mistakes to Avoid
Lease agreements that are not carefully read and signed will have legal, financial, and administrative consequences.
Rent and deposit payments made in cash and not properly documented are illegal.
Ignoring the need for renter's insurance, which is relatively cheap, usually $10 to $15 a month, and covers basic fire and theft. Not giving 30 to 60 days notice in writing before moving out.

Pro Tip: Many international student offices in universities have a list of reliable landlords and will offer lease review services.